Sunshine heralds weekend

November 16, 2012

There will be plenty of sunshine for those who wish to participate in the start of the holiday season in Williamsport with the Home for the Holidays event this weekend.

No rain is expected to dampen the mayor's annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 tonight or the Billtown Christmas Parade at 6 p.m.

"(Today) should be a dry day," said Tom Kines, senior meteorologist at Accuweather in State College. "The sun and clouds will go back and forth."

Article Photos

RASHELLE CAREY/Sun-Gazette Miller Knepley, 2, son of Brian and Rebecca Knepley, of Williamsport, edges his way closer to Santa and his dogs, Brittaney, 8, and Gracie, 6, during an opportunity Wednesday for pets to pose for photos with Santa at the SPCA. Lycoming College students from Dr. Neil Boyd’s business management and organizational behavior class arranged the event.

RASHELLE CAREY/Sun-Gazette Bella, a 1-year-old bulldog owned by Tammer Fuller, of WIlliamsport, takes a treat during a visit to Santa.

"I think, all in all, the next few days aren't going to be too bad," Kines said.

Today's temperature will be in the upper 40s, near 50, with a nighttime low in the upper 20s or lower 30s.

The sunshine will continue Saturday for Victorian Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Historic District. A high in the 50s is expected.

As the day progresses, there will be free Santa visits and train rides at Santa's House in Santa's village, located at the municipal parking lot at the corner of West Fourth and Hepburn streets.

At night, a low in the upper 20s or lower 30s is expected, but the events continue with a Winter Wonderland at Airmen Pond at Bowman Field, starting at 6 p.m.

A hockey game will begin at 7:05 p.m.

On Sunday, the annual Festival of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Dr. Kenneth Cooper Bandshell in Brandon Park. A high in the 50s and a low in the upper 20s to lower 30s is expected.

A Kick Off the Holidays concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Arts Center, featuring Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Billtown Brass and VJQ.

All weekend, the wind is not expected to be a problem as it stays on the light side, Kines said.

For those who want to welcome the winter holidays outside, it's a good time to do so, Kines said, "as long as

you're dressed for November."

Though it is still early to accurately forecast Thanksgiving weather, he said no major storms are expected in the first few days of next week. A cold front moving in from the northwest will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday, which might bring a shower.